Say hello to a breakfast that’s been a game-changer for me—this Properly-Prepared Porridge is a weekly staple in my kitchen, made the way our wise and wild ancestors did it. By soaking the oats overnight, we’re unlocking better digestion and nutrient absorption, making this a perfect, nourishing option for midlife women like us. It’s warm, comforting, and oh-so-tasty—let’s dive into why I love oats and why soaking them is a must, then get to the recipe that’ll have you starting your (and your family’s) day with a smile!

Why Oats and Why Soaking?

Oats are a classic for a reason, especially for midlife women looking to fuel their days with steady energy. They’re packed with fiber, particularly beta-glucan, which helps keep blood sugar stable and supports heart health—key for us as we navigate this season of life. Oats are also rich in magnesium and B vitamins, which can help with everything from stress management to hormone balance. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free (if you choose certified gluten-free oats), making them a gentle option for those of us with sensitivities. For me, oats are a comforting, budget-friendly way to start the day without the mid-morning energy crash.

But here’s the catch: oats, like all grains, need a little TLC to be their best selves. Sally Fallon, in her Nourishing Traditions cookbook, explains why soaking or fermenting grains like oats is so important: “…all grains contain phytic acid in the outer layer or bran. Untreated phytic acid can combine with calcium, magnesium, copper, iron, and especially zinc in the intestinal tract and block their absorption. This is why a diet high in unfermented whole grains may lead to serious mineral deficiencies and bone loss.” For midlife women, who are already at risk for bone density issues, this is a big deal—we need those minerals to stay strong and vibrant!

Fallon also warns that the modern habit of eating unprocessed grains can lead to trouble: “The modern misguided practice of consuming large amounts of unprocessed bran often improves colon transit time at first but may lead to irritable bowel syndrome and, in the long term, many other adverse effects.” Soaking changes the game—it “allows enzymes, lactobacilli, and other helpful organisms to break down and neutralize phytic acid,” making those nutrients more available for our bodies to soak up. Fallon notes that “soaking in warm acidulated water will neutralize a large portion of phytic acid in grains,” and “the simple practice of soaking cracked or rolled cereal grains overnight will vastly improve their nutritional benefits.”

She suggests soaking for as little as 7 hours or up to 24—I find overnight does the trick perfectly. For me, soaking oats has made them so much easier on my gut, and I feel the difference in how my body absorbs those nutrients. It’s a small, sacred step that honors how God designed our bodies to work with food, and it’s a tradition I’m proud to bring back for us midlife women looking to thrive!

Properly-Prepared Porridge Recipe

This porridge is a breeze to whip up—I prep it the night before, and voilà! A beautiful, creamy oatmeal that cooks in just 5 minutes. It’s a warm, comforting way to start your day, and the toppings make it feel like a treat.

Makes: 4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 cup oats (rolled or cracked)
• 1 cup warm, filtered water (for soaking)
• 2 Tbsp *whey (from homemade kefir or yogurt)
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1 cup filtered water (for cooking)
• Optional: Top with your favorite fruit (like berries or sliced banana), crispy nuts, and a natural sweetener like raw honey.
• Serve with a good source of fat such as butter, cultured cream, or raw milk for extra nourishment!

Prep (Overnight):

In a bowl, mix the oats with 1 cup of warm, filtered water and 2 Tbsp of *whey. Cover and leave in a warm place overnight (inside the microwave works well to keep it undisturbed—my only reason to have a microwave).

Directions:

1. In the morning, bring an additional 1 cup of filtered water to a boil with the sea salt in a pot.
2. Add the soaked oats, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the oats are tender and creamy.
3. Turn off the heat and let it stand for a few minutes to thicken.
4. Top with a pat of butter, cultured cream, or raw milk, and add your favorite toppings like berries, crispy nuts, or a drizzle of raw honey. Dig in and enjoy!

Tips: (The Wise & Wild Way):

• *If whey is unavailable or for those with dairy allergies, you can replace whey with lemon juice to acidulate the soaking water.
• Adding a good source of fat (like butter, cultured cream, or raw milk) helps with satiation, keeps blood sugar stable, and makes it taste amazing—don’t skip it! If excluding dairy, pure coconut milk or cream (with no additives) is a tasty substitute.

Print the Recipe: Want to keep this recipe on hand for your morning routine? Click here to print it out.

For my recipe on how to make whey, check out my Yogurt Cheese & Whey recipe, here

Join the Journey

This Properly-Prepared Porridge is just one of the many recipes I share in my Cook with Confidence Class where we dive deeper into traditional cooking practices that transform your health—only on SPBTV. If you want more ways to fuel your days with energy and joy, subscribe to my newsletter and tune in o my podcast, Sharise Uncut, where I cut the BS around health, life, and everything in between.

To your health—and a life that’s as real as it gets!